Bayis Malei Sefarim

Bayis Malei Sefarim-Purchasing Torah literature:[1]

It is a Mitzvah [and obligation[2]] to publish [and purchase[3]] Chumashim, Mishnah, Gemara and their commentaries.[4] Some Poskim[5] rule that today this Mitzvah is a positive Biblical command, and is in place of the Mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah.[6] [The purpose of this Mitzvah is in order to have Sefarim available for learning and it is hence an affiliate of the Mitzvah of learning Torah.[7] This Mitzvah is fulfilled through writing or purchasing any Torah Sefarim, and not just those listed above. One is especially to purchase Sefarim dealing with practical Halacha which will be studied frequently in order to know what one is to practically follow. Nevertheless, one is not required to purchase all available Sefarim in order to fulfill this Mitzvah.[8] Every child is to have a Siddur, Chumash and Tehillim of his own [Chitas]. These Sefarim are to be placed in the room of each child. One is likewise to donate Sefarim to public libraries and help them expand.[9] Every home is to likewise contain the following three Sefarim: Keser Shem Tov of the Baal Shem Tov, Or Torah of the Maggid and Tanya.[10] ]

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[1] See Michaber 270/1; Shach 270/5; Likkutei Sichos 23 Shavuos 1; 24 Vayelech; Shulchan Menachem Yoreh Deah 6 p.???

[2] It appears that even in accordance to the Michaber and Rama, writing Sefarim is included in the Mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah and is hence considered part of the Biblical command according to all. [So is implied from Rosh ibid; See Likkutei Sichos ibid]

[3] Likkutei Sichos 23 Shavuos; Hisvadyos 1988 Hei Teves

The reason: Although the Rama 282 rules one does not fulfill his obligation if he purchases a Sefer Torah nevertheless, regarding Sefarim the obligation is fulfilled even with purchasing them, as the entire purpose of this Mitzvah is to learn from the Sefer. The only reason there is a Mitzvah to write a Sefer Torah and one does not fulfill his obligation with purchase is because a Sefer Torah has laws of writing, as opposed to other Sefarim. [See Likkutei Sichos ibid]

[4] Michaber 270/2; Rosh

[5] Shach 270/5; Perisha 270 in their opinion in Rosh

Other Poskim: Many Poskim rule that the Mitzvah of purchasing Sefarim is not in place of the Mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah, and rather this Mitzvah is intact even today. [Michaber 270/1; Levush; Magid Mishneh brought in Shach ibid in their opinion of the Rosh] Nevertheless it appears that even in accordance to their opinion writing Sefarim is included in the Mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah and is hence considered part of the Biblical command according to all. [So is implied from Rosh ibid; See Likkutei Sichos ibid]

[6] The reason: As today we no longer learn from a Sefer Torah and the Mitzvah can only be fulfilled through Sefarim that one learn from, as the entire purpose of the Mitzvah is to learn from the sefarim. [Likkutei Sichos 23 ibid]  

[7] Likkutei Sichos 23 Shavuos 1

[8] Likkutei Sichos 23 Shavuos 1

[9] Sichas Hei Teves 1988 printed in Hisvadyus 2/170-173

[10] Sichas 1950 p. 265; Sefer Haminhagim